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Dear Constituent

Welcome to my website and the regular update on my work.

Last week I spoke in the HBOS debate in Parliament. I know that the future of HBOS is of great importance to many of my constituents and we must protect jobs, skills and decision making in Scotland. The Chancellor Alistair Darling has made it clear that the door remains open for any other deals that may be on offer.


I also spoke in the British-Irish Council debate about the importance of continuing to develop the relationship between the people and governments of the islands.


I have lodged a motion in Parliament asking the BBC to ensure that BBC Alba is available on Freeview before 2010.


I had the pleasure of sponsoring an event held in the Parliament to raise awareness for MSPs of the Jacob Project, an exciting new Scottish development from an existing UK volunteer scheme. The Project enables vulnerable young people 16-25 caught in the world of crime to have a real alternative for their lives.


At this time I am on my way to Gaza on the DIGNITY, which is carrying Medicines and Medical Equipment. It is a 15 hour journey from Larnaca and the trip will give me the opportunity to visit hospitals and talk to doctors in Gaza ahead of the Convoy, organised by Edinburgh Direct Aid, which is taking place in early 2009. I will be participating in the Convoy, which is supported by Medical Aid for Palestinians.

Gaza Convoy

Pauline is sending updates of her journey when she can and the Constituency Office will provide them below.

Friday 7th November: 12 noon

"We have just had a security briefing about the journey to Gaza and various possibilities of what might happen were discussed. Two voyages have been successful so far but this one is the first for Parliamentarians. We are prepared for various scenarios and a possible stand-off. We are carrying a ton of medicine and new equipment from hospitals in Manchester. There are 22 people on the quite small boat for the 15 hour journey. We have also just done an International Press Conference with Al-Jazeera. There are six time-slots for its broadcast so that's positive."

Saturday 8th November: 10 am

The DIGNITY pulled into Gaza at 9:15 a.m. We were all tired but ecstatic to have arrived. As well as delivering medical equipment and supplies, the DIGNITY carried mail from friends and family around the world addressed to Gaza residents. The journey was mostly uneventful, though just before arriving in the waters of Gaza, an Israeli naval gunboat approached, cutting across the bow of the boat, then falling back and tracking it for about an hour. After some radio communication the gunboat wished us well, allowing us to sail into the port of Gaza to a cheering crowd and our packed agenda.

Over recent weeks I have also joined students at Glasgow University in campaigning against the SNP governement's plan to ban 18-21 year olds for off-sales. I have raised this with the First Minister at Question Time, calling on his Government to drop these unpopular plans.

Campaigning against the government's planned alcohol ban

Signing up to Glasgow Labour Club's petition against the SNP's off-sales ban with Ann McKechin MP and Glasgow University student, Patrick McGlinchey.

Thanks for stopping by.


Pauline McNeill MSP
for Glasgow Kelvin

Updated 10 November 2008

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